She began her teaching career in Argentina at the age of eighteen, then emigrated to the United States (Brunswick, Georgia) in 1960 with her husband Leo Solano and two young sons, Lee and William, and welcomed a third son, Danny, in 1964.
Always possessing an unquenchable thirst for knowledge, she earned several degrees in Literature, Humanities, and Romance Languages, culminating in a Doctor of Philosophy degree from The Florida State University.
In 1972 she married Paul Burkort and together they traveled the United States and Europe, sharing their faith and love of history, architecture, culture, art, and each other until his passing in 1997.
A lifelong educator, she taught at the high school and college levels at Georgia Southern University, The University of Georgia, Auburndale (FL) High School, Winter Haven (FL) High School, Polk County School of Opportunity (FL), Polk Community College (FL), and Eastern Florida State College. At the time of her passing she was an active adjunct professor at EFSC, having served as an educator for over sixty years.
She was a woman of steadfast and inspirational faith who volunteered in multiple ministries at every parish fortunate enough to count her as a member. For the last sixteen years she called St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church her spiritual home, gladly volunteering her time reading the Liturgy of the Word, serving as Eucharistic Minister, supporting Christ Renews His Parish retreats, and serving on the Council of Catholic Women. Haydee was a true servant, generous of heart and spirit, always thinking of others before herself. While still in her seventies, her drive to help others took her into the mountains of San Juan de la Maguana five years in a row as a translator for Catholic Diocesan Medical Mission teams, where she supported their efforts to bring critical healthcare to this poor village in the Dominican Republic.
She had a deep and abiding love for her family and enjoyed bringing them together for special occasions. Ever the consummate hostess, her parties with family and friends were enjoyable affairs full of fun, food, laughter, and love, where she paid tribute to every holiday, birthday, graduation, promotion, or just the opportunity to come together and celebrate life.
She is survived by sons Lee Solano (Patricia), William Solano, Daniel Solano (Gaye), grandchildren Brenda Pribila, Brian Boyles (Serena), James Solano (Michelle), Jennifer Solano, Gabrielle Solano, Dominique Solano, great-grandchildren Matthew Stitzel (Elizabeth), Amber Oyster (Ryan), Andrew Boyles (Marie), Alex Boyles, Colin Solano, Dylan Solano, Thomas Simonton, and great-great-grandchild Jaxson Stitzel.
Haydee’s family wishes to thank all those attending her funeral Mass and Celebration of Life. Your presence is a testament to the light that followed everywhere she went, the aura of generosity that emanated from her giving spirit, and the love that flowed from her in all she accomplished.
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